WTTC showcases Tourism for Tomorrow Awards finalists at ITB Berlin
A small beach lodge helping to lift a community out of poverty, a project to regenerate an island’s fragile eco-system and an international hotel company supporting the protection of orang-utans, turtles and coral reefs are among the twelve finalists in the 2011 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards unveiled by the World Travel & Tourism Council.
The Awards recognise achievements among businesses and destinations across the travel and tourism industry.
They demonstrate that tourism continues to make significant strides in balancing its success with its footprint.
Destinations today rely on the sustainability of their environment to provide for customers and employees, as well as local communities.
Tourism can benefit the planet and its people by fostering the preservation of natural, cultural, and heritage and by supporting community empowerment.
For many years, the Awards have helped showcase projects that the industry is already undertaking.
The 12 finalists, drawn from 186 entries from over 60 countries, are carrying the flag for sustainable success.
Finalists were selected by an international panel of independent judges.
Unique among such awards, they will now visit all finalists to gain a well-rounded picture of the businesses.
Guludo Beach Lodge is nominated for the Community Benefit award
The Awards are given out in four different categories:
Global Tourism Business
Representing international companies with at least 500 employees, entrants’ achievements marry corporate success with sustainable principles and practices.
Finalists are:
Intrepid Travel, Australia.
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Hong Kong.
Conservation
Entrants have made a tangible contribution to the preservation of nature, including the protection of wildlife, expanding and restoring natural habitat, and supporting biodiversity conservation.
Finalists are:
Frégate Island Private, Seychelles.
Singita Pamushana, Zimbabwe.
The Jane Goodall Institute/Budongo Ecotourism Development Project, Uganda.
Community Benefit
Entrants directly benefit local people, supporting community development and enhancing cultural heritage.
Finalists are:
Guludo Beach Lodge, Mozambique.
Pride ‘n’ Purpose – Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, South Africa.
Destination Stewardship
Entrants have successfully managed a sustainable tourism programme at the destination level, incorporating social, cultural, environmental, and economic benefits as well as multi-stakeholder engagement.
Finalists are:
Alpine Pearls, Austria.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, South Africa.
Nurture Lakeland, UK.
More Information
The winners will be revealed at the 11th Global Travel & Tourism Summit, to be held in Las Vegas, USA from May 17th-19th 2011.
Read more at the Tourism for Tomorrow website.